2023 NHL Draft: Connor Bedard watch

Projected No. 1 pick draws raves from NHL All-Stars in weekly update

2-7 Bedard Regina CHL top prospect practice

© Dennis Pajot/Getty Images

By Mike G. Morreale
@mikemorrealeNHL NHL.com Senior Draft Writer

Connor Bedard, the projected No. 1 pick in the 2023 Upper Deck NHL Draft, is in his third season with Regina of the Western Hockey League. The 17-year-old center, No. 1 on NHL Central Scouting's midterm ranking of North American skaters presented by BioSteel, was granted exceptional status to play in the WHL as a 15-year-old. Each Wednesday, NHL.com will have an update on Bedard leading up to the NHL Draft, which will be held in Nashville on June 28-29.

Connor Bedard has not just gained the attention of his peers in the Canadian Hockey League, but also those at the highest level who participated in the 2023 Honda NHL All-Star Game in Sunrise, Florida, on Saturday.
"He's getting the attention that Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid**

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